At first glance, life in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica, in the jungle, might seem exotic—howler monkeys as alarm clocks, sloths as neighbours, and the ocean humming lullabies by night. But here in the Caribe Sur, amidst the palm trees and reggae beats, daily life quietly settles into a rhythm that feels… well, ordinary. Ordinary, with a twist.
Grocery Shopping, Jungle Style
Grocery shopping in Puerto Viejo is less about list-checking and more about treasure hunting. You head out with intentions of buying tomatoes, and return with dragon fruit, a coconut machete, and a story.
The local feria (farmers’ market) is where you learn quickly that produce doesn’t come in standard sizes. A single papaya might feed a family of six, and if you’re lucky, your favourite farmer might slip a passionfruit into your bag “just because.” And yes, the local supermarkets now stock almond milk and quinoa, but you’ll still find yourself bargaining for yuca at a roadside stand, sweating through your shirt with a grin.
Cooking With Company
Cooking here is rarely a solo affair. Sure, you’re the only human in the kitchen, but you’ll have an audience: geckoes clicking encouragement from the ceiling, a basilisk lizard peering in through the screen, and a persistent line of ants just outside your window, hoping you drop something. (You will.)
The food? Fresh, fragrant, and often improvised. Coconut milk replaces cream, plantains stand in for potatoes, and if you’re feeling ambitious, you might even attempt Rondon—a traditional Caribbean fish stew that’s part meal, part meditation.
Daily Life: Slightly Sweaty, Often Surprising
Daily life here isn’t all that glamorous. It’s often muddy flip-flops and more often sand in your bed. It’s hanging laundry in the sun (and running to get it back in 15 minutes later, because of the rain) and chasing raccoons out of the compost. But it’s also waking up to a sky so blue it feels painted, and greeting neighbours with a “Pura vida” that genuinely means it.
There’s no rush in Puerto Viejo. You might start your day with yoga on the deck, pause to rescue a baby sloth crossing the path (true story), then realise you’ve forgotten what you were supposed to do. That’s fine. It’ll wait.
Life in Puerto Viejo: The Luxury of Simplicity
It’s easy to romanticise jungle life, but here’s the truth: the beauty of life in Puerto Viejo lies in its simplicity. You trade convenience for connection, fast Wi-Fi for slow mornings, and fancy restaurants for beachside sodas where the fish was caught an hour ago.
And somehow, you’ll find that your definition of “normal” changes. A rainstorm at midday becomes an invitation to nap. A frog in your shower becomes a roommate. And what once felt like an adventure begins to feel like home.
Come See for Yourself
At Geckoes Lodge, you can taste this beautiful, slightly bonkers way of life for yourself. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee with a toucan or brushing your teeth under the stars, we invite you to experience the extraordinary ordinary of the life in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica. The official Visit Costa Rica page on Puerto Viejo is a great place to start. And Geckoes Lodge is obviously the best place to end 🙂
Ready to slow down and soak it all in? Book your stay at Geckoes Lodge and let the jungle work its magic.